This button was released in a series of photo buttons used to promote the film, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. First appearing in Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977, R2-D2 and C-3PO are robots, otherwise known as droids in the Star Wars franchise. The duo serve as major characters throughout the series, being two of the only characters to appear in every film released. Originally appearing as allies in the fight against the Galactic Empire, R2-D2 and C-3PO often serve as comic relief in the narrative and as a foil to each other. Over the course of the series, both droids are shown to have a pivotal role in key events throughout. Due to the film series success, both character have become cultural icons, cementing them as some of the most recognizable robots in popular media.